Greetings from the Interim Directors desk,

It is an exciting time at the Southside Community Coalition (SSCC), and we are looking forward to continuing serving the citizens of the southside of Lansing.  Firstly, we should recognize the longtime tenure of former SSCC Director Darius “Pete” Cunningham. Without Pete’s stewardship, the center would not be the thriving neighborhood artery that we know today. 

My name is Stuart Chavis, and I have shifted from a two year stint on the board of directors of SSCC to the Interim Director’s desk.  I retired a couple years ago after a full career at the United States Courts, serving as a U.S. Probation, Parole, and Pretrial Services Officer, and previously in other state and local court services positions.  I earned a Juris Doctorate Degree from Howard University, Washington, D.C., and a Bachelor’s of Political Science Degree from Tuskegee University. I am a native of Detroit, but transplanted to Lansing about 28 years ago.  I am married and have two young adult children. I maintain an interest in a strong, safe and vibrant local community, and have participated in community service activities my entire life. 

We at SSCC continue our dedicated service through our efforts with food distribution, student after school programs, tutoring, mentorship, and education in everything from healthy habits to overall life skills.  Indeed,  our programming also serves local senior citizens with bingo games, luncheons, and other social and educational activities.  We are also looking forward to our new AmeriCorps/Vista staff member who is anticipated to join us in later December 2019.  The AmeriCorps staff member will be dedicated to management of the agricultural hoop house, student education on agriculture, healthy eating and related education.  Her duties will also supplement the activities of our overall youth programming.   We are certain her dynamic personality skills from her previous work experiences and college activities will be an asset to the center. 

The Board of Directors has tasked me with directing the staff as they execute the daily activities and programming at the center, and sheperding the various business matters that are integral to the center’s viability.  We have a great mix of new and seasoned staff members who each bring a wealth of knowledge, skills and abilities to the Southside Community Coalition.  We thank the entire community for its continuing support and hope to maintain the SSCC in a manner that makes all of Lansing proud.